DIY 55 Gallon Drum Smoker.

[Sytes]

Thought this was pretty cool. Figured worth sharing. Might be a fun project.

You Can Build Your Own Smoker Out of a 55-Gallon Barrel With Just a Few Hours of Work

A steel drum and a few plumbing parts make up this no-weld smoker you can build with just a few hours of work. Add meat and smoldering wood—and get ready to feast.

www.popularmechanics.com

 

[Straight Arrow]

Sorry ... don't wish to join.

 

[Sytes]

Sorry ... don't wish to join.

Ya, popular mechanics tightened their screws.
I use the "simplified view" from my android and it bypasses the restrictions.

 

[Gellar]

Used to work with a guy that built smokers out of 55 gallon barrels. He won a few competitions with them.

 

[Benjamins]

They are typically referred to as ugly drum smokers (UDS). I have made a few of them and used them for years. They work incredibly well and put out some great Q. I think I ended up having around $75-$100 into the ones I made depending on how fancy I went.

 

[Sytes]

They are typically referred to as ugly drum smokers (UDS). I have made a few of them and used them for years. They work incredibly well and put out some great Q. I think I ended up having around $75-$100 into the ones I made depending on how fancy I went.

Have any pics? Would be interesting to see from a direct experience.
Build portions that you found a better modification vs generic directions or did the generic go smooth?

 

[Benjamins]

I looked everywhere but can't for the life of me find any pics. But I think anyone can build one. I find most people do three intakes, I much preferred having one bigger one. I'd also added 5 inch bolts to the bottom of my fire basket to keep it elevated so I never had to battle ash, although lump charcoal produces far less ash than briquettes.

Honestly the hardest part is finding the lid. A weber lid works great. I got lucky and found a guy with a rusted out grill but his lid was perfect. If you build one and have any questions feel free to pm me.

 

[Sytes]

@Straight Arrow (or others internet blocked), in the event you're interested, this link may work and it's pretty much the same build.

Latest usnewsmail & Updates - usnewsmail

usnewsmail.com

 

[Potsie]

My grandpa Joe built a smoker out of a 55 gallon drum, put a stove element in the bottom, and wrapped the entire thing in burlap for insulation. That smoker cranked out the best smoked blueback I have ever had, or will ever have in the future.

Last I saw it, my uncle had it and was cranking out smoked turkeys with it. That thing has to be 50 - 60 years old if it's still around.

 

[kylemcintyre67]

The smaller one is my take on an uds, reverse flow set up. Built it about 5 years ago when I started my welding program after the army. The trailer mounted build was one I did for a guy 3 years ago for him to take to competitions. He wanted it built out of this crappy old water tank he found. It was a giant pain. That's when I made my rule of never accepting garbage material from customers.

 

[Brandon270]

Love those cheap to build/simple smokers. Be careful with the used barrels, I wouldn't use one that had chemicals or oil in it. One that was used for food or a new one is a better idea.

 

[kylemcintyre67]

Love those cheap to build/simple smokers. Be careful with the used barrels, I wouldn't use one that had chemicals or oil in it. One that was used for food or a new one is a better idea.

Another thing to watch out for are the epoxy lined barrels. That stuff takes forever to grind out and it will not burn off.

 

[TakeABreakAndTouchGrass]

There is a bunch of information over at https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/ and you can look up several build threads. The forums are useful and the website has a lot of good information too. It's worth signing up for his newsletter in my opinion.